tin cloth | The Filson Journal

British Millerain & the History of Waxed Canvas

Mariners endure some of the most inhospitable conditions imaginable, facing gale-force winds, driving rain, and crashing waves. The need for weather protection at sea spurred innovations leading to British Millerain’s development of high-quality waxed cottons, including Filson’s Tin Cloth.

Tin Cloth Cruiser History

While the design of the Tin Cloth Cruiser has changed little over the decades, it has undergone some minor variations to meet demands beyond the forests. Over the years, the “cruiser” name has become synonymous with ruggedness and dependability—qualities that apply both to the Filson jackets themselves and to those who wear them.

Signature Materials: Waxed Cotton

What worked then still works today. While science and chemistry have produced some amazing options for raingear in recent years, sometimes the best option for wet-weather protection has existed for over a century. There are certainly situations when technical waterproof fabrics are a must, but there are also times when traditional waxed cotton is the preferred option. This article examines what waxed cotton is, how it came to be, and why we like it so much.